Report on parking options for town

One of the recommendations in the study of future parking needs in Ashington is to consider an extension to the Station Yard car park.

Published:17:19Tuesday 01 November 2016

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An in-depth study has been carried out to look at the future car parking needs for Ashington.

Northumberland County Council commissioned consultants Aecom to examine current arrangements and capacity and establish what improvements may be required in the long-term across the next 14 years.

It examines the effects of major developments planned for the town – including projects in the north east quarter and new council headquarters and along Station Road, which forms the town’s shopping high street.

It takes the possible re-opening of the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne railway line and the associated re-development of Wansbeck Square as the potential station into account.

Figures for new parking spaces, covering different scenarios, have been suggested.

The report includes the following: ‘It is recommended that a minimum of 449 spaces be provided across one or more of the following locations – an extension to Station Yard car park, a decked car park within the north east quarter development and a new northern car park – with a contingency plan for provision of a further 208 spaces across these locations.

‘The northern car park (land north of Rotary Parkway both between the railway lines and to the west of the railway lines) could provide the 449 spaces or the 657 spaces by itself but, as discussed, consideration could also be given to having more of a spread of new spaces across the area.’

Coun Ian Swithenbank, cabinet member for local services, said: “We need to ensure we have a strategy in place to plan for and accommodate an increase in parking for workers, shoppers and residents over the coming years.”

Councillors and other stakeholders will provide feedback on the study to officers and the local authority will then determine its response.